DeFi Technologies Expands into Latin America: A Strategic Move for Institutional Adoption
DeFi Technologies is continuing its international expansion, with a new focus on South America, particularly Brazil. Following regulatory approval in the UK, the digital asset specialist is partnering with MERGE, a leading Latin American crypto and fintech conference, to host the “DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium” in São Paulo on March 16, 2026.
Why Brazil is a Key Market
Brazil is emerging as a crucial market for fintech and cryptocurrency adoption. DeFi Technologies and its subsidiary, Valour, launched digital Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) and Brazilian Depositary Receipts (BDRs) in the country in 2025. The symposium represents a further step towards attracting institutional investors to the growing digital asset space.
Navigating a Cautious Crypto Climate
The announcement comes during a period of increased caution within the cryptocurrency sector. Early February saw some crypto-focused funds experience outflows, and several digital assets faced downward pressure. Despite this volatility, the industry continues to build out institutional infrastructure.
Strengthening the Ecosystem: Stablecorp and VersaBank
Alongside the Brazilian expansion, DeFi Technologies is reinforcing its broader ecosystem. On February 4, 2026, portfolio company Stablecorp announced its selection of VersaBank as the custodian for its QCAD Digital Trust. As of February 6, 2026, the company’s stock closed at approximately $0.80 USD.
Focus on Institutional Investors: Bridging Traditional and Decentralized Finance
The São Paulo event is specifically designed to engage institutional players. DeFi Technologies aims to position itself as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized markets, operating within a regulatory framework that provides investor security. The success of this dual strategy – focusing on both Europe and Latin America – remains to be seen in the current market conditions.
Key Takeaways
- DeFi Technologies has partnered with MERGE to host a symposium in São Paulo on March 16, 2026.
- Valour received UK approval on January 26, 2026.
- The company’s stock price was around $0.80 USD as of February 6, 2026.
The Future of DeFi in Emerging Markets
DeFi Technologies’ move into Brazil highlights a growing trend: the increasing importance of emerging markets in the future of decentralized finance. These markets often exhibit higher rates of financial inclusion challenges, making them ripe for disruption by innovative financial technologies. The key will be navigating the regulatory landscape and building trust with both investors and local authorities.
Did you know? Brazil has one of the highest rates of cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America, with a significant portion of the population using digital assets for remittances and everyday transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium?
A: The symposium aims to bring together industry leaders, financial institutions, regulators, and policymakers to discuss the future of DeFi in Latin America.
Q: What are BDRs and ETPs?
A: BDRs (Brazilian Depositary Receipts) and ETPs (Exchange Traded Products) are financial instruments that allow investors to gain exposure to digital assets through traditional stock exchanges.
Q: What is Stablecorp’s role in the DeFi Technologies ecosystem?
A: Stablecorp is a portfolio company of DeFi Technologies and focuses on developing and issuing stablecoins.
Pro Tip: Keep a close watch on regulatory developments in Brazil, as these will significantly impact the growth of the DeFi sector in the country.
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